Bath Design: Blending Form and Function

10 January 2013, 5:52 pm

With all of the new and exciting capabilities in design we have witnessed in the last 50 years, the possibilities for bathrooms have moved beyond their original function as simple utility spaces. Now there are options in how you can lay them out, what utilities will go in them, and what finishes they will have. All of which will provide a warm, inviting and functional space that you want to be in. That is why it is important to work with your architect to design a space that is not only appealing, but functional for your lifestyle as well. Here are some tips we’ve put together so that your bathroom design can have both.

Layout

When you and your architect begin to draw up your bathroom design, it is important to think about how you plan to use the space. Where will your windows be in conjunction to your bathing and toilet spaces? By not only thinking about how you want to move and flow within your bathroom, but how that space will live within your home and property, you will be able to create a more functional space.

Showers and Baths

Focusing on your daily rituals and what works best with your lifestyle, are you someone who prefers a shower or a bathtub? Perhaps you want to include both in your bathroom design. Do you want your shower to be a walk-in with multiple shower heads? Maybe a large, jetted bathtub with a window in sight of your lakeside view is something you’ve always dreamt of. Knowing what you want in your bathroom will be a big determinant in its overall size and layout.

Sink Design

In recent years, we have seen design trends begin to put more emphasis on sink space. In mountain-style homes specifically, even in powder rooms, sinks can provide a focal point for the space. Incorporate your wood home’s mountain décor into your bathroom by adding a sink made of stone, or a log for its pedestal. While the design is important to assess, the number of sinks is something to look at as well, for many people, installing two sinks makes more sense in their master bath.

Flooring

The flooring options for your bathroom are just as diverse as those for the rest of your home. Whether it is slate, or tile, or a laminate that you choose to incorporate, you will want to take into consideration how it ties into the rest of the space. When you speak with your architect, remember that flooring choice is not just about the look, but how it feels under your feet. For many who live in areas with colder seasons, an investment in radiant heating is an option to consider.

Wood Accents

The natural and raw beauty of your mountain-style design is something that is reflected in your home’s exterior as well as throughout the rooms within, so why stop that natural beauty at your bathroom? Allow the wood detailing in the rest of the home to flow within your bath space as well. You can achieve this by including a log wall or log beams overhead for a rustic look, or even some intricate timber framing around a window for a more subtle approach.